The Striking Competition – a Poem

It started as a joke (I think) quite early in the year.
When Eileen had a letter and said “See what it says here” –
‘A Striking Competition’ held at Corscombe in July.
“I suppose I’d better bin it, ‘cos we wouldn’t dare to try”.

But then we started chatting and we thought it would be fun
If we could enter TWO teams. We were sure it could be done.
It would impress the other towers – therefore come what may
A ladies’ and a Men’s Team would be entered on the day.

We needed two more ladies to complete our Ladies’ Six,
So we had to collar Sheri (which left Toller in a fix)
And Jackie rings at Litton but said she would lend a hand,
So Eileen, Debs and Daphne (plus me) made up our band.

We practised every Thursday, ‘tho the men had yet to choose
Who would ring in their team (or who had a good excuse).
We practised and we listened to our striking round in peal.
But still we knew that Corscombe bells would have a different feel.

So off we went to Corscombe just to see what they were like.
The steps were steep and awkward so it really was a hike.
We met the local ringers who were mopping sweaty brows.
They greeted us politely then went off to milk their cows.

It was at the Dress Rehearsal we first heard our team of men
(Peter, Sam and Simon, and Alan, Albert, Ken).
They rang so well together – they took us by surprise.
The Ladies cannot beat them in the coming exercise.

And so at last the great day dawned, our nerves were all in shreds.
Must be at Corscombe 2 o’clock – that’s what the letter said.
We mingled with our rivals from towers near and far
Dreading when our turn would come to do our repertoire.

When our turn came we did our best and earned acclaim it seems
Not for clever striking, but for ENTERING TWO TEAMS.
We were not first (or runners-up) but still it doesn’t matter.
We like to ring, but best of all we come here for the Natter.

Brenda Dunn, a member of St. Mary’s Tower, Bridport.